The public are showing strong support for teachers who staged another walkout today (Thursday) in protest at education cuts by West Dunbartonshire Council.

Teachers held their second one day strike in a month this morning, forcing council chiefs to inform parents last minute that pupils were not to attend school.

Dozens of teachers created picket lines at Vale of Leven Academy, Dumbarton Academy and Our Lady and St Patrick’s High in a firm stand against controversial staff restructuring plans.

Protesting teachers gather at Vale of Leven Academy.

Council education chiefs have been negotiating with teachers’ union the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) to try and resolve the ongoing dispute.

But their “significantly improved” terms were overwhelmingly rejected by 91 per cent of teachers in a ballot - and they opted to strike today instead.

West Dunbartonshire Council posted a message on its Facebook page yesterday afternoon confirming that all five secondary schools would be closed to pupils as a result.

It reads: “We acknowledge the disruption this action is causing and would once again like to apologise to our pupils and parents.

We’re really disappointed to see the prospect of further industrial action at our secondary schools. We took onboard all of the points raised by the EIS and came back to them with a significant concession to appoint an additional 16 principal teachers and to complement that with a package of nine measures designed to reduce workload.

We would like to reiterate that we remain committed to reaching a resolution for the benefit of everyone.”

This online update generated dozens of comments from members of the public, the majority of which support the striking teachers.

Bonhill woman Jaine Hepburn wrote: “Backing them all the way.”

Vale man George Rice commented: “Solidarity with EIS.”

Kathleen Pope, also from Alexandria, wrote: “Behind the teachers all the way.”

Unhappy with the action was Tam O’Kane, who wrote: “Do you think the teachers are losing a day’s pay tomorrow? Will expect to see all the picket lines at the school gates, and not up in Glasgow enjoying the coffee houses.”

Wilma Voois, from Old Kilpatrick, commented: “The teachers are doing it to benefit the children in the long run as cuts in teachers and getting rid of heads of departments is detrimental to children’s education.”

Jim Halfpenny, joint secretary of EIS, said: “There was a big turnout at the picket lines and staff also went to the local shopping centres to hand out leaflets to people

“We are getting very strong support from members of the public, judging by the responses from people and even the number of cars that were tooting their horns while going past the picket lines.

“This is boosting the morale of teachers.

“The only people who don’t seem to be coming to terms with the teachers’ position is council management and the Labour administration.”

The teachers have been locked in negotiations with education chiefs in a row over controversial £600,000 cuts which will see faculties introduced in schools and the loss of four depute head teacher posts.

The EIS warned another strike could be on the cards within the next fortnight.